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Home > Media>News & Statements> Gunvor closes innovative us $745 million facility linked to sustainability targets
Gunvor closes innovative us $745 million facility linked to sustainability targets
15 October 2018
Moving Energy Efficiently
Home > Media>News & Statements> Gunvor closes innovative us $745 million facility linked to sustainability targets
15 October 2018
Related savings will go to support new Gunvor Foundation
Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”) has closed an innovative US $745 million secured borrowing base facility (“Facility”) that includes performance commitments related to Gunvor’s sustainability targets. Gunvor is the first energy commodities trading company to close a financing in which the interest rate will be dependent on the company’s year-on-year improvements in areas such as transparency, governance and the environment. The Facility, originally launched at US $625 million in 2012, was a renewal to provide for the working capital requirements of the company’s Antwerp and Rotterdam refineries. It was significantly oversubscribed to US $745 million through the addition of new lenders.
The Facility was arranged by ING Bank, who acted as sole Coordinator and Active Bookrunner while maintaining its roles as Security Agent, Facility Agent and Fronting Bank. The structure for the sustainability targets was created by Gunvor in collaboration with ING Bank as the Sustainability Coordinator and supported by the consortium of banks. Gunvor will receive a discount on its interest rate if the sustainability targets have been met and vice-versa, if Gunvor severely underperforms on the sustainability targets, a premium will be added to the interest rate. This initiative will serve as a test run for a more expanded future program for the company’s financings.
“By partnering with our banks to set goals that achieve substantive results, we are demonstrating the seriousness with which we integrate sustainability into our business.” said Jacques Erni, Gunvor Group CFO.
The sustainability targets are focused on the “environment”, “social impact” and “governance”, and specifically address areas like reductions in CO2 emissions, waste and water management, improvements to personnel safety at the refineries, transparency reporting related to feedstock origination (within the parameters of the company’s support for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, or EITI) and others.
“Gunvor’s imperative has always been to take actions that are meaningful and credible, and we have worked closely with our banking partners to keep ahead of the market’s evolving expectations for sustainability in business and finance,” said Ben Winterton, Gunvor Group’s head of HSEC (health, safety, environment, human rights and communities).
Related savings from the potentially lower interest rate will go to supplement funding for the recently launched Gunvor Foundation, the company’s not-for-profit entity dedicated to philanthropic giving.
“ING is happy to be Gunvor’s partner in its sustainability journey. We expect this innovative transaction will serve as an example of how we and our peers can provide energy commodity trading clients with financial solutions which also address the key sustainability challenges in this sector,” said Patrick Arnaud, managing director for Trade Commodity Finance at ING Bank.
The Facility’s increase was made possible thanks to the continuous support of the original lenders renewing and some increasing their participation levels, together with new entrants.
The banks participating in the Facility are as follows:
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, storage, terminals, mining and upstream—Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chainSupply chain refers to the network of interconnected businesses involved in the ultimate provision of product and service packages required by end customers. In the context of energy commodities, the... for its customers. More information can be found at www.GunvorGroup.com or @Gunvor.
About Gunvor Foundation
Gunvor Foundation provides scholarships, grants, and donations (impact investing) for initiatives that further the mission of empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the development of healthy communities, the reduction of poverty, and the improvement of environmental conditions on local and global levels. More information can be found at www.Gunvor-Foundation.com
SINGAPORE – Gunvor Singapore Pte. Ltd. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor” or the “Group”), has closed a US $1.2 billion sustainability-linked, syndicated revolving credit facility (“RCF” or “Facility”) on 14 June 2024.
The Facility, which was launched initially at US $750 million in April 2024, benefited from strong support from Gunvor’s banking partners and attracted new banks, and closed significantly oversubscribed by over 60%, increasing the total facility amount from the previous year. The Borrower has further upsized the Facility by US $120 million via an accordion feature, which was structured to accommodate two banks that joined the Facility after signing, bringing the total Facility amount to US$1.32 billion as of 12 July 2024.
The 364-day Facility, which is guaranteed by the Company and includes two 12-month extension options, will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including the refinancing of the Borrower’s existing US$ 1.035 billion 2023 Asia Sustainability-linked Revolving Credit Facility.
Similar to previous financings, the Facility includes four sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) supporting the Group’s strong commitment to improve the environmental impact of its trading operations and to invest in sustainable commodities and businesses. The KPIs relate to the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions associated with the improvement of energy efficiency of the shipping fleet; the investment in non-fossil fuel projects; and the assessment of the Group's assets, JVs and suppliers against Human Rights principles. Each KPI is tested annually and verified externally in line with LMA SLL principles.
"The successful renewal of our Asian RCF is the result of the deep collaboration between Gunvor and its banking partners. The strong relationship we have with our core financing partners, enhanced by the welcome addition of several new lenders into our upsized anchor facility, demonstrates their support for the Group’s strong performance and positive outlook," said Jean Rohr, Gunvor’s Regional CFO for Asia-Pacific.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, China CITIC Bank International Limited, DBS Bank Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited were mandated to arrange the Facility and acted as the Active Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers for the Facility. Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch, Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation, Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C), Singapore Branch, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC – Singapore Branch, Natixis, Singapore Branch and State Bank of India, Singapore Branch remain as the Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. Indian Bank and Union Bank of India, DIFC Branch, Dubai joined as new Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. DBS Bank Ltd. also acted as syndication coordination agent, while Natixis, Singapore Branch also acted as Facility Agent, legal and documentation agent and sustainability coordinator of the Facility.
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Singapore Branch, UBS AG, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Singapore Branch, and ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch are Senior Mandated Lead Arrangers.
China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited, Shanghai Branch joined as a new Mandated Lead Arranger, while Mizuho Bank, Ltd, Société Générale, a public limited company incorporated in France, acting through its Hong Kong branch, and United Overseas Bank Limited are Mandated Lead Arrangers.
Furthermore, Westpac Banking Corporation, Singapore Branch, Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch and China Construction Bank Corporation Singapore Branch all joined as new Lead Arrangers, whereas Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Singapore Branch, Habib Bank Limited, Singapore Branch, Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Singapore Branch, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch are the Lead Arrangers.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited Singapore Branch, Banque Internationale de Commerce - BRED (Suisse) SA, and National Bank of Fujairah PJSC remain as Arrangers.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world's largest independent commodities trading houses by trading volume, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure (refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals), Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. The Group's 3 main trading hubs are in Geneva, Singapore and Houston, with other trading offices in Stamford, Dubai, London and Shanghai, supported by a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe.
LIBREVILLE – The Gabon National Oil Company (Gabon Oil Company), which exercised its pre-emptive rights in November 2023 and subsequently entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Carlyle in February 2024, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of Assala Energy, an oil exploration and production company active in Gabon, whose daily production is around 45,000 barrels.
This acquisition was done with the financial backing of Gunvor Group, a leading global energy commodities trading company based in Switzerland.
According to Marcellin SIMBA NGABI, Gabon Oil Company’s Chief Executive Officer, this acquisition is of paramount importance for the Republic of Gabon, unique shareholder of Gabon Oil Company. It will enable the Republic of Gabon, reinforce its control and sovereignty over its oil and gas reserves, and significantly increases its oil revenues.
“Gunvor is proud to have been selected as Gabon’s partner for this strategic acquisition,” said Stephane Degenne, Member of Gunvor Group’s Executive Committee. “As a leading global oil trading company, Gunvor brings its strengths—global market expertise and financing—to support GOC’s energy agenda.”
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company in 2023 generated US $127 billion in revenue on 177 million MT of volumes.
GENEVA – Gunvor Group, a leading global physical energy trading company, has closed a EUR 400 million, 5-year term loan (the “Facility”) guaranteed by SACE, the Italian Export Credit Agency (“ECA”) with UniCredit acting as Global Coordinator. The goal of the Facility is to support Italian industry by securing natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies while promoting the export of Italy’s goods and services. Gunvor is a leading global trader of LNG, and one of the largest physical natural gas traders in Europe.
“Gunvor is pleased to support SACE’s push strategy by helping secure energy supplies to the country and having the opportunity to further grow the business with Italian customers and suppliers,” said Jeff Webster, Gunvor Group Chief Financial Officer.
"In times of unprecedented complexity, the need for innovative business support mechanisms becomes crucial. We take pride in this operation, which, as part of our Push Strategy, aids Italian companies in exploring new markets while facilitating access to relevant energy supplies," stated Ciro Aquino Regional Manager Middle East – Head of Dubai Office SACE. The support of strategic imports represents a new and timely initiative by SACE, aligned with the objectives of the INSIEME 2025 Industrial Plan. Its goal is to improve the resilience of the national economic landscape, relaunch the competitiveness of companies in global markets, and consolidate growth within domestic markets.
“UniCredit is proud to arrange and coordinate this Facility, which marks a significant step in bolstering gas security across Europe. Its role as a novel facility type for commodity traders underscores our commitment to ensuring reliable energy supplies while innovating trade finance strategies in an ever-evolving energy landscape,” said Stefan Koller, Global Head of Asset Based Financing at UniCredit.
UniCredit Bank AG acted as Global Coordinator, Bookrunner, Documentation Agent and is the Facility Agent. Crédit Agricole Corporate And Investment Bank, DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt Am Main, ING Bank N.V. and Unicredit Bank AG act as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Erste Group Bank AG acts as Lead Arranger for the Facility.
Clifford Chance, as Legal Counsel to SACE and UniCredit, contributed to finalising the transaction.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in energy infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals —Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. In 2022, Gunvor Group generated US $150 billion in revenue on 165 million metric tons of turnover. The Group’s main trading offices are in Geneva, Singapore, Houston, Stamford, Calgary, Dubai, and London, with a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe. More information can be found at GunvorGroup.com or @Gunvor.
GENEVA (21 November 2023) – Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor” or the “Group”) has signed a US $1.885 billion sustainability-linked, multi-currency revolving credit facility (“RCF” or “Facility”) in favour of Gunvor International B.V. and Gunvor SA.
The Facility received strong support from Gunvor’s banking partners and attracted new banks, increasing the total amount of the facility from the previous year.
The RCF will be used for general corporate purposes, including the refinancing of the existing US $1,395,000,000 364-day tranche of the 2022 European Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement, dated 10 November 2022, and the US $290,000,000 3-year tranche of the 2021 European Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement dated 10 November 2021.
The Facility consists of two tranches, available to Gunvor International B.V. and Gunvor SA:
The Facility has a US $400 million Accordion Option and complements the existing US $280 million 3-year tranche of the 2022 European Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement.
Similar to last year’s Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement, the Facility includes four KPIs supporting the Group’s strong commitment to improve the environmental impact of its trading operations and to invest in sustainable commodities and businesses. The KPIs relate to the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions associated with the improvement of energy efficiency of the shipping fleet; the investment in non-fossil fuel projects; and the assessment of the Group’s assets, JVs, and suppliers against Human Rights principles. Each KPI is annually tested and externally verified in line with LMA SLL principles.
"Gunvor is delighted with the continuous support we have received from our financing partners. The growing capacity of the facility along with the new lenders demonstrate the strong relationship the company has with its core banking group,” said Jeff Webster, Chief Financial Officer of Gunvor Group.
Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp), Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd., ING Bank N.V., Natixis CIB, SMBC Bank International Plc, Société Générale, UBS Switzerland AG and UniCredit Bank AG (together the “Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers”) were mandated to arrange the Facility. Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING Bank N.V., Natixis CIB, SMBC Bank International Plc, Société Générale and UniCredit Bank AG acted as Active Bookrunners while Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd is Facility and Swingline Agent. Natixis CIB and Société Générale acted as Joint Sustainability Coordinators of the Facility.
China Construction Bank Corporation, Beijing, Swiss Branch Zurich, Citibank N.A., Jersey Branch, Emirates NBD PJSC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, London Branch and Mizuho Bank are Senior Mandated Lead Arrangers. Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.) Paris Branch joined as a new Senior Mandated Lead Arranger.
DZ Bank AG and Erste Group Bank AG are Mandated Lead Arrangers.
KfW Ipex-Bank Limited and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited (London Branch) are Lead Arrangers. China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited, London Branch joined as a new Lead Arranger.
ABC International Bank Plc, Afrasia Bank Limited, Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd, Banco BPM S.p.A, Banque de Commerce et de Placements, Bank of China Ltd, London Branch, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, London Branch, Europe Arab Bank, GarantiBank International N.V., Habib Bank AG, Mashreqbank, Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises are Arrangers. CaixaBank S.A., DBS Bank Ltd., London Branch, First Commercial Bank London Branch and OTP Bank Plc. joined as a new Arrangers.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in energy infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals —Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. In 2022, Gunvor Group generated US $150 billion in revenue on 165 million metric tons of turnover. The Group’s main trading offices are in Geneva, Singapore, Houston, Stamford, Calgary, Dubai, and London, with a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe. More information can be found at GunvorGroup.com or @Gunvor.
HOUSTON (8 November 2023) – Gunvor USA LLC (“Gunvor USA” or “the Company”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor” or “the Group”), has successfully closed the syndication of its US $1.60 billion uncommitted borrowing base credit facility (“the Facility”). The Facility includes a US $1.28 billion one-year tranche, a US $320 million two-year tranche, and a US $500 million accordion feature, which remains available to support future growth.
The proceeds of the Facility will refinance Gunvor USA’s existing $1.45 billion borrowing base facility signed in October 2022, provide continued working capital financing for the Company’s merchant activities, and fund general corporate purposes.
“Gunvor USA’s successful oversubscription reflects the continued confidence of our banking partners toward the U.S. business and Group globally,” said David Garza, Managing Director of Gunvor USA. “Our business model has proven to be resilient during times of market stress, and that success combined with bank market support affords us the ability to focus on growth opportunities.”
The Facility is led by Rabobank, which serves as Administrative Agent, Joint Lead Arranger, Active Bookrunner, Coordinator, and Left Lead. Société Générale, was mandated as Active Bookrunner and Joint Lead Arranger. ING Capital LLC, was mandated as Passive Bookrunner and Joint Lead Arranger. Natixis, New York Branch, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, and MUFG Bank Ltd., each serve as Joint Lead Arrangers and share Co-Syndication Agent duties. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Citibank, N.A., and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, New York Branch remain as Co-Documentation Agents.
Thomas Smith, Regional CFO for the Americas, commented: “Despite a challenging credit market, the Facility benefitted from the strong support of our 18 new and existing lenders, being oversubscribed in syndication and subsequently increased to $1.6 billion. The increase reflects the growing collaboration between Gunvor USA and its banking partners who remain supportive of the Company’s strategy for continued participation in traditional energy markets while pursuing its energy transition goals.”
Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP serves as counsel to the Administrative Agent. McGuireWoods LLP serves as counsel to the borrower.
About Gunvor USA
Gunvor USA LLC is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd, one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover. Gunvor Group creates logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy and bulk materials from where they are sourced to where they are demanded most. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, storage, terminals, mining and upstream—Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. In 2022, Gunvor Group generated US $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of turnover. The Group’s main trading offices are in Geneva, Singapore, Houston, Stamford, Calgary, Dubai, and London, with a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe. More information can be found at GunvorGroup.com or @Gunvor
Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”), a leading global physical energy commodities trader, is partnering with VARO Energy (“VARO”), which will build large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) manufacturing at the extensive Gunvor Energy Rotterdam (GER) site.
The facility will have a total production capacity of 350 kpta; approximately 70% will be SAF, with the remainder a mixture of bio-naphtha and bio-propane. With full flexibility between 100% SAF and 100% HVO and cutting-edge pretreatment capabilities, the VARO facility will be positioned at the forefront of the SAF industry.
Gunvor’s site provides VARO with a strategic location for the project at the heart of Europe’s energy hub, and GER’s existing industrial infrastructure will allow for its rapid development. Production is expected to commence by Q4 2026, enabling the facility to contribute to the significant growth in European SAF demand that is expected in the coming years. Gunvor will further participate through an operations and maintenance agreement and other investments.
This partnership furthers Gunvor’s goal of repositioning its traditional industrial site in Rotterdam to contribute to the Energy Transition, while creating sustainable jobs for the local economy. SAF that will be produced has on average 90% less Green House Gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional jet fuel and will provide this to key airline customers.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy and bulk materials from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals—that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $150 billion on volumes of 165 million MT in 2022, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com.
About VARO
VARO Energy (“VARO”) is the partner of choice for customers in the energy transition by providing the sustainable and reliable energy solutions that they need to decarbonise. Engine 1 includes manufacturing, storage, distribution, marketing, and trading of conventional energies. Engine 2 activities are focused on sustainable energies and include biofuels, biogas, green hydrogen, e-mobility, and nature-based carbon removals. VARO plans to invest around $3.5 billion over the 2022-26 period, with two-third committed to sustainable energies. The company has a net zero target for scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. VARO is a Swiss-based private company.
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